NBPA Press Release (October 19, 2010)

By latoya.sterling

Created 2010-10-19 00:00

LETTER FROM NBPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BILLY HUNTER IN SUPPORT OF POTENTIAL STRIKE BY THE GREEK BASKETBALL PLAYERS UNION (PSAK)

NEW YORK, October 21, 2010 -- The National Basketball Players Association has sent the following letter to the members of the Greek Basketball Players Union (PSAK) in support of their potential strike:

Dear PSAK members:
It has been brought to my attention by UBE General Secretary Walter Palmer and PSAK General Secretary Nikos Spanos that your association has voted in favor of a strike to address issues of health care, pensions, and the right to change teams upon nonpayment. As Executive Director of the NBA Players Association, I would like to offer my full support for your collective actions.
Health and retirement benefits, as well as the right to transfer upon default, are fundamental rights of any professional athlete that we at the NBPA have fought hard in our own history to secure. In 1964, with the support of both stars and role players, our union threatened not to play in the first televised All-Star game. This display of unity and solidarity forced NBA owners to give our players basic rights and has been of great benefit to our membership since. If you choose to stick together and stand united, your union and its members will see a bright future.
We have informed the general public and our membership of your strike. I wish you luck and much success.